REGISTRATION is expected to open on or before Oct 5, 2026.

The Bluenose Classic serves as our Provincial Championship event - but still offers courses at all levels, including a course for beginners. This year the Bluenose Classic will also be using the new Sandy Lake Park Map that was created for the Canadian Orienteering Championships that was held in NS July 31 - August 2 2026.

As in previous years, we will be using skill-based classes for the Bluenose Classic; typically there are 11 courses at Canadian championships. Due to our lower numbers here in NS we have divided the age classes into just 5 courses. Another difference at this event is that we will have assigned start times which will be posted the evening of Friday Oct 16th.

The Schedule:

10:00 On Site Registration Opens

10:15 Beginner Clinic (if required)

10:45 Safety Brief

11:00 (staggered starts begin);

14:00 Course Time Limit

Start will be nearby the registration table.

The Venue:

Sandy Lake is a large but little-known gem of a park above Bedford NS. The park has a swimming area (unsupervised in October), picnic tables overlooking the lake, a beach volleyball area and a network of hiking and mountain bike trails that wind along and in loops above the lake. Home to mixed new and old growth forest stands this is a perfect orienteering play ground.

Note that, except for the Beach area which is off-leash all year-long, Sandy Lake is a dog off-leash area from October – June.

The Courses:

Point to Point

To complete any of the courses participants visit a series of control points in the order shown on the map provided at the start. Starts will be staggered to space competitors and limit following.

Categories:

(Note - gender diverse participants are welcome to register in the gender class in which they identify. All identifications of gender identity or expression by participants are believed to be made in good faith and do not require further disclosure or documentation.)

• Beginner course: Technical Difficulty (TD) 1. Typically follows marked and easy to follow trails to controls on or near trail for the easiest navigation and shortest distance to cover. Basic map following required. (Approximately 2km)
• Novice course: TD 2. Typically follows trails or distinct line features. Some simple route choices may be required. Slightly more challenge than Beginner course, with some longer legs. (Approximately 2km)
• Intermediate course: TD3. Requires route choice along trails while also using map features and basic compass skills to find controls located on or just off trails with typically clear features nearby that ease navigation. (Approximately 3km)
• Advanced course: TD4. Will tackle the entire map on trail and off, using route choices through more difficult terrain, streams forests and all; good navigation skills required. (Similar to TD5 but shorter and less physically challenging). (Approximately 3.5km)
• Expert/Elite course: TD5. Complex route choices, detailed terrain. Requires good rough and precision navigation, as well as physical stamina. (Approximately 4km)

A beginner’s clinic may be offered. Let us know via a message to the email address below if you are interested, and we can provide some form of instruction, if not a formal clinic. Please check in at 10am if you require instruction.

VOLUNTEERS

As always, volunteers would be appreciated for a few tasks associated with the event (e.g. Beginner clinic, start, registration, control pickup).

Click HERE to volunteer.

Registration:

Is expected to open not later than October 5th

Prior to participating in an event, all participants must have completed the one time Orienteering NS registration form and the Orienteering Canada waiver as part of the registration process.

Once membership and waiver are completed, register for courses by completing the process at the registration site linked on this page.

Please ensure you register via this link by midnight THURSDAY, Oct 15, 2026 to ensure a map is printed for you. On-site check-in will take place on site from 10:00 to 10:45 am.

Last minute registration: This can be done on site, but we typically only have a few extra maps; because we didn’t know you were coming. Also, pre-registration allows the on-site details to move more quickly.

Need Orienteering Kit before the event? Visit the O-Store!

Extracurricular:

Refuel at The Chickenburger | Bedford, NS | Recipe Crafted In 1940

…or at any of the many other eateries or coffee shops in Bedford and Sackville.

Questions:

Some may be answered below:

To Paul at nsorienteering@gmail.com

Entry Fees:

The following are the fees for this event* (pre-registered), add $5 for day-of registrations:

$15 per adult (21+) participating as an individual or as part of a team

$7 per youth (7-20) participating as an individual or as part of a team

Children under 7 participate free

*If you are registering four or more family/household members at the same time (including at least one adult), please use the discount code FAMILY_2026 at checkout to receive a discount.

How to Pay:

In advance (preferred):

• By credit card as part of the registration process linked above.
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the following email: nsorienteering@gmail.com
  • If you choose this method, complete the online registration process. At checkout, please enter the following coupon code: PAY_EFT_2026 so that you appear on our registration list.

In person:

• In cash; a payment container will be available. Please bring correct change.
  • If you choose this method, complete the online registration process. At checkout, please enter the following coupon code: PAY_CASH_2026 so that you appear on our registration list.

Note: all of the above is restated in the registration process.

Snacks: A small post race treat will be available, but participants should bring their own water if needed.

Parking:

Parking details are being determined.

Washrooms:

There are no public washrooms on site. Nearest facilities are at restaurants and gas stations on Gary Martin Drive or the same in Mill Cove.

Weather:

We run rain, snow or shine. Local thunder will typically be accommodated by a short delay. That said any weather involving a Hurricane or Tropical Storm coming straight over will result in a reschedule.

Directions:

The event is in Bedford NS. Registration and Start / Finish will be at or near the location shown on the map below.

Location